December Business Bulletin

Headline BusinessBulletin Feature DECEMBER 2017

Building the future

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WITH THE WIND AT OUR BACKS

ART IS THE NEW OIL

CHANGING ROOMS

ENTER SANDMAN

BUILDING THE FUTURE OUR FOCUS THIS MONTH 1

Headline Feature

Contents

DECEMBER 2017

Focus on Building the future

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce The Hub Exploration Drive Aberdeen Energy Park Bridge of Don Aberdeen AB23 8GX T 01224 343900 E info@agcc.co.uk www.agcc.co.uk Affiliated Chambers Moray President

Features

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Is art the new oil?

John Brebner T 01224 343911 E info@agcc.co.uk

Bulletin Team Editor Laura Grant T 01224 343926 E business.bulletin@agcc.co.uk News Features Graeme Smith Media T 01224 275833

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Changing rooms

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Enter Sandman

Advertising Jim Bruce T 01224 343905 E advertising@agcc.co.uk Design & Production Graham Jacobs T 01224 343934 E production@agcc.co.uk Editorial Support Anisha Patel T 01224 343913 E anisha.patel@agcc.co.uk

Regulars

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BUSINESS LESSONS I’VE LEARNED Bryan Innes, founding partner, Lockhart

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PHOTO DIARY A look back at some of 2017’s events

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TRAINING & EVENTS CALENDAR Dates for your diary

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ON THE MOVE Who is going places in the region?

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Louise Norrie T 01224 343918 E louise.norrie@agcc.co.uk

Cover image Building the future

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Premier Partners

Want to learn more?

Contact Seona Shand, head of membership T 01224 343929 E seona.shand@agcc.co.uk 4

We thank our Premier Partners for their continued support of the Chamber

Time stands still for no region ANOTHER 12 months passes in a blur. It turned me to thinking: Why is it that Christmas appears to be hurtling towards us yet when we were children it seemed like it would never come? The same could be said of car journeys that seemed to take forever in our early years but the same distance now is covered in a flash.

our energies in moving forward the growth and diversification agenda through engagement in the Regional Economic Strategy and City Centre Masterplan; active board positions on Opportunity North East, Visit Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen Inspired as well as driving leadership activities such as Vanguard and the regional narrative.

There are various interesting explanations out there including the ratio theory which suggests we are subconsciously comparing time intervals with the total amount of time we’ve already lived. Put simply, for a five-year-old, one year is 20% of their entire life. For a 50-year-old however it is only 2% of their life; proportionately less and therefore seemingly faster. That explains it then!

We will continue to campaign and lobby on the key issues that matter to business, like winning £17m of Business Rates relief for businesses in the North-east with more to follow.

Quick or slow, there’s no doubting that plenty has happened in 2017.

A General Election that didn’t quite go to plan for the ruling parties in Westminster and Holyrood.

The resultant step back from an imminent indyref 2. Sometimes seemingly shambolic progress towards Brexit and the uncertainty that it brings. Mixed indicators in terms of the economy, an interest rate rise but markets continuing to perform strongly.

Closer to home we have seen strong progress with our City Region Deal and City Centre Masterplan; major construction projects moving forward; early indications of success from our world class events strategy and strengthening signs that business confidence is starting to recover.

Much of this is reflected in the diverse series of articles in this issue of the Bulletin.

As we move into 2018, the Chamber team is committed to investing a significant amount of

CHAMBER VIEWPOINT | DECEMBER 2017

Chamber Viewpoint

And, of course, we will be striving to help our members to be more successful in a range of ways.

From offering export advice and market insight to training staff and sharing best practice. And providing business development and marketing opportunities while connecting people, solving problems and reducing costs.

As a privately funded, not for profit organisation, it is only the support of our enlightened members that enables us to do the good work that we do.

We believe that the organisations that work with us have two main motivations for doing so. To make their own businesses better and to ‘put something back’ by playing their part in making the North-east an even better place to live, work, study, invest and do business. They join to be part of a cause, not a club.

Their engagement is hugely valued, appreciated and it matters.

All the best to you, your family and colleagues for a successful and prosperous new year from everyone at the Chamber.

Russell Borthwick chief executive 5

FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

Renewable energy Feature

“I doubt if there is a major renewable project anywhere in Europe in which an Aberdeen company doesn’t have some involvement.”

Morag McCorkindale, on behalf of Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG)

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FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

Illustrative image, not intended as a fully accurate depiction

With the wind at our backs THE skills, commitment and business friendly culture which have made Aberdeen a global oil and gas hub are helping to build the city’s future as a global hub for renewable energy.

Renewables offer huge potential for companies in this region, in particular those with capabilities in research and development, design, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance.

By applying decades of experience and know-how, companies which diversify from oil and gas can not only ensure longevity but also prosperity for the region and future generations.

The range of renewable energies from wind and wave to tidal and from hydrogen and biomass to geothermal offer career opportunities across the spectrum.

Not only will engineers, technicians and divers be required but also ornithologists, lawyers and health and safety advisors.

There are already five significant offshore windfarms under

development around the North-east coast and companies in Aberdeen are at the forefront of the development of technology for a range of other renewables including hydrogen, wave, tidal and geothermal energy.

“I doubt if there is a major renewable project anywhere in Europe in which an Aberdeen company doesn’t have some involvement,” said Morag McCorkindale of Aberdeen City Council, on behalf of Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG).

“The five offshore wind farms under development make Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire a global hotspot for offshore wind and they are all quite different in nature.

“Statoil’s Hywind project off Peterhead, the world’s first floating windfarm, has just been commissioned and it’s interesting for several reasons.

The first is that this is an energy operator increasing its commitment to renewable generation. It’s also interesting because it’s using oil and gas technology to move into deep water and while there have been individual prototypes before, no one has ever put out an array.

“Then there is a Kincardine offshore windfarm which is another floating development planned for just south of the city. It is at an earlier stage of development but also using oil and gas technology for the foundations of a form of semisubmersible platform.”

The European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre has just moved into the construction phase with work on the offshore foundations now underway. It is being developed by Vattenfall and is another enabling development.

Morag highlighted two other fixed wind turbine projects, the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd project in the Moray Firth, which, when operational, could provide energy equivalent to the needs of approximately 477,610 homes.

The nearby Moray East windfarm, between Fraserburgh and Wick in the Moray Firth, will be Scotland’s biggest and will have around 100 turbines, each 204m high, and will generate enough electricity for around one million homes. 

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| DECEMBER 2017

She said that while offshore wind attracted considerable attention because of the scale of the projects there is an increasing drive for greater efficiency and improved output from all kinds of renewables developments.

“Electricity storage is becoming more important and many people are working on that. Aberdeen City Council has been extremely progressive and visionary and the city is a pioneer in hydrogen and a leader in Europe with hydrogen buses and is really striving to create a hydrogen economy and build a new industry around it to create and preserve jobs.

“There is a growing interest in large-scale battery storage because electricity demand fluctuates, so even conventional power stations can produce more power than is needed at certain times and have to reduce production.”

She said that many Aberdeen companies are active in wave and tidal because of the expertise in the oil and gas industry in offshore construction and although these technologies are less developed than offshore wind they offer great opportunities.

“Wave and tidal have started further back,” she said.

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“When people first started looking at offshore wind they took onshore turbines which already existed and adapted them for marine conditions which wasn’t entirely successful, but it got them over that hurdle of getting the first machines into the water.

“Wave and tidal technology are starting from scratch.”

She said there was a growing interest in geothermal energy, and biomass.

“Aberdeenshire Council has been very progressive in both the adoption of biomass and that is a good local employment generator.

“The city is a pioneer in hydrogen and a leader in Europe with hydrogen buses and is really striving to create a hydrogen economy and build a new industry around it to create and preserve jobs.”

“We have seen some large-scale projects like the one at Foresterhill Hospital but also some smaller-scale projects and it is now supporting quite a few jobs in Aberdeenshire for the people who supply equipment and fuel and also for those involved in service and maintenance contracts.

“When it comes to offshore wind, wave and tidal, people tend to focus on the devices themselves and those engineering, manufacturing and installing them because they are pretty dramatic - but there is a huge back office requirement as well. You have those who do the engineering design, the finance, the legals, the contracts, intellectual property and then there’s all kinds of things like the pre-consent work in environmental studies and then there is all those you can access in operations and maintenance, cables and fabrication.

“There are clearly great opportunities in renewables, particularly for Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.

No one is saying it is going to be easy because these are new industries and companies are out there trying to do something that has never been done before but they built the North Sea oil and gas industry so I’m sure they are equal to the challenge.”

A treat for Tricker TRICKER PR has been named Scotland’s Outstanding Small Consultancy at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide awards. The firm also picked up the gold awards for Best Use of Photography and Design and the Low Budget Campaign categories in a hat trick of wins.

Tricker team

NEWS | DECEMBER 2017

Members News

Beverley Tricker, managing director of Tricker PR, said: “To be awarded the title of Scotland’s Outstanding Small Consultancy is a massive honour. It shows that we are delivering excellent, creative and results-driven work in all regions of Scotland and that businesses don’t have to be based in the central belt to produce excellent results for their clients. I’m so proud of our team which never fails to go the extra mile.”

The winning campaign saw Scottish Women’s Institutes members knitting colourful jackets for black dogs - often overlooked by potential owners - awaiting rehoming in SSPCA centres. Judges praised the entry as being “highly innovative, truly inspiring and creative” and said that the use of “effective research to identify a strategic partnership proved central to the success of the campaign; a classic example of creative tactics and clever use of photography being deployed on a shoestring, achieving impressive results.”

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FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

Arts & culture Feature Art is the new oil

STEVE Slater, the director of the recent DanceLive Festival in Aberdeen, had been trying to think of a tag line for the event when it came to him in the middle of the night.

He wrote it down and it seems that flash of early hours inspiration might become far more than just a promotional line for a 16-day festival.

It has become a talking point and may well become a strapline for the future of a city.

“People are engaged with the oil industry so it’s a very outward looking city and I don’t think it has to mimic or copy anywhere else, it just has to be confident in itself and in its ability to be both a city of industry and also a city of culture.”

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Steve is a former director at Tramway, Glasgow, and moved to Aberdeen a year ago to become director of CityMoves Dance. He found Aberdeen a fascinating environment.

“All these individuals and characters from different organisations were talking about the exciting things going on in terms of the arts and the potential of the arts in Aberdeen to do something great.

“I just found it really exciting with people talking about the cultural sector of the city and looking ahead 20 years to what might happen.

Steve Slater, director, CityMoves Dance

“’Art is the new oil’ is trying to sum up in one succinct sentence everything we have been talking about in terms of the cultural sector.

Photograph of Steve Slater provided by Sid Scott

“Oil will always be part of Aberdeen so ‘Art is the new oil’ isn’t an anti-oil statement. It is about trying to position

FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

the arts now, or plant the seeds of something which will mature over time into a much more robust cultural sector which gives Aberdeen another branch or another arm to attract people to the city, to employ people, to engage people, to build in terms of the cultural economy within the city.

“People are excited by Aberdeen’s potential. We are outside the central belt and beyond Dundee which seems to be flying at the minute in terms of its cultural grasp of things with the V&A opening and bidding for European City of Culture 2023. So, what is Aberdeen going to do?

“When people have visited me, and I’ve taken them out to show them the city – and the Art Gallery and the Music Hall are closed for renovation - within half an hour you are back to where you started because you can’t can think of anywhere else to take them. Other cities have a lot more in terms of galleries and cool places to hang out or have a coffee.

While there are a few of those dotted about we don’t have a connected network of spaces and organisations and a cultural infrastructure where you can come into town and you can eat somewhere that’s really cool and different and then go and buy some clothes that have been designed or made here. It’s pretty much high street off the shelf brands.

“If its main industry is slowing and won’t be as great as it was, then what brings you to Aberdeen? What brings the tourism? What keeps people here?

We struggle to retain our homegrown creative population. When students from Gray’s or the universities graduate they go south because there are more opportunities there. One of the downsides of the oil industry is that property prices are too high and spaces are incredibly expensive to hire which reduces the opportunities for turning them into galleries and spaces like that.

“’Art is the new oil’ is another way of thinking about culture, about the future, about how we want to live our lives - out here on the edge. It is a call out, a plea, a provocation and a challenge. It is about the creative riches to be found within all of us, and how we can mine them for a better quality of life.

“Aberdeen has to catch up and make its own path. I think it has a unique sense of itself, partly due to the oil industry. It is a very international city because of the oil industry and when you walk down the street you hear dozens of different languages. People are engaged with the oil industry so it’s a very outward looking city and I don’t think it has to mimic or copy anywhere else, it just has to be confident in itself and in its ability to be both a city of industry and also a city of culture.”

He said the recently created Culture Aberdeen network would be the vehicle with which to drive many of the city’s cultural ambitions forward.

It comprises Aberdeen’s cultural leadership as well as many of its main arts organisations which will work together to represent the voice of the arts. It will also seek to strengthen the cultural sector through collaboration and driving specific elements of the new cultural strategy for Aberdeen.

“When I arrived, people told me that everyone knows someone in the oil industry, which is true, but a goal to aim for in 20 years’ time would be to say that everyone knows someone who works in the arts.

“It is the children who are in primary school now and will be adults in 20 years’ time that we must think about.

“They are ones who will benefit. It takes time and we have to be patient, but we have to do things now. We can’t sit on our hands and hope that someone else will do it or someone will do it in five years’ time. We have to make some leap of faith and trust that what we are doing will have a pay off with a richer cultural environment to live in.”

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HOT TOPIC | DECEMBER 2017

Hot Topic Can art be the new oil?

“This struck me as an absurd question until I started to think about it. Although the economic benefits of the arts comes way down the list, behind the cultural value by the way it defines our personal and regional identities, the social and educational benefits or even health and wellbeing, there is a strong case for cities such as Aberdeen to invest in the arts.

“You only need to see how the Turner Contemporary is leading the regeneration of Margate, how Glasgow’s creative arts and entertainment activities employs more than 2.5 times the regional average or how festivals drive tourism into Edinburgh and £180m into the city’s economy. The oil industry is not about to be replaced in North-east Scotland but this area is ripe pickings for the arts – we all need to embrace it and make much more of a song and dance about it.”

Neil Hasting, director, Haston Creative

“In any business, taking the opportunity to diversify is a critical strategic decision.

As they say, ‘all the eggs in one basket.’ Was oil the egg? The opportunity for Aberdeen to diversify has never been greater. With the current economic downturn, thousands of redundancies and the view that the oil industry will never reach the dizzy heights seen in previous years the question is what else can Aberdeen do?”

“Just like business, Aberdeen is going through a transition and re-inventing itself. No longer is the Granite City grey. We are seeing street art on buildings, neat initiatives such as the ‘painted door’ project, dead spaces coming alive with colour, the redevelopment of the Art Gallery and the new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre. ‘This is not Aberdeen,’ you may say. Yes it is, the transformation is well under way. Again, just like in business, the key to any change initiative is creating a culture that is embedded and sustainable for the long term. Aberdeen is creating its culture for creativity and the arts embedded in the fabric of the city. Creating sustainability through more job opportunities, increasing visitors and showing the world that Aberdeen is more than just oil.”

Wayne Henderson, managing director, Kaizah

“The arts are a powerful force for renewal and regeneration. Aberdeen is experiencing unprecedented levels of investment in its cultural infrastructure, including the £30m redevelopment of the Art Gallery and the £7m Music Hall transformation. The rejuvenated Art Gallery aims to attract upwards of 250,000 visitors a year, making it one of the North-east’s most popular unpaid visitor attractions, benefitting not only our city but our entire region.

“The rejuvenated Art Gallery will make a major contribution to Aberdeen’s new creative climate. It will be a powerful draw for residents and visitors alike, part of a dynamic city bursting with vibrant arts activity all year round, from the spectacular Spectra light festival and cutting-edge Look Again festival, to the inspirational True North music festival. In this post oil and gas era, the arts are playing a major role in building a buoyant and diverse new economy.”

Christine Rew, art gallery & museums manager, Aberdeen City Council

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Women’s financial independence threatened WOMEN are not investing enough in pensions and are underinsuring themselves – creating a “gender financial security gap” - according to a new report by legal firm Pinsent Masons and leading gender charity The Fawcett Society.

A combination of socio-economic factors and the impact of gender stereotypes are to blame for the imbalance and the report calls on financial institutions to “work harder for women” to help tackle the situation.

NEWS | DECEMBER 2017

Members News

The report, “Closing the Gender Gap: Female consumer engagement in Financial Products” reveals that women are increasingly taking household financial decisions, with 2020 cited as the “tipping point” when women will make the majority of financial decisions in the home.

Carolyn Saunders,

head of pensions and long-term savings, Pinsent Masons LLP

However, the reality of women’s lives means that the financial risks they face are both more numerous and complex than men. Women face factors such as a lower starting salary when they enter work, a wider pay gap, having to take time out to care for children or relatives, unequal split of assets and loss of income after divorce, childcare costs; and higher prospects of living with severe health conditions.

Despite these risks, the report finds that women are underinvesting in pensions and investment products and underinsuring themselves relative to men, creating a ‘gender financial security gap’.

The report calls upon the UK’s financial services industry and policy makers to seize the opportunity to better engage female consumers.

Pinsent Masons head of pensions and long-term savings, Carolyn Saunders, said: “Pensions and investment products need to work harder for women. Financial service providers and policy makers need to help change the perception that finance is a man’s world, boost women’s confidence in their financial capabilities and develop products and advertising that speak to women.”

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Wood wins Killinghome contract WOOD has been awarded a new multi-million dollar contract by Total, supporting its Lindsey Oil Refinery located North Killinghome, Lincolnshire. The five-year contract is to provide onshore maintenance services and includes the option to be extended up to two years.

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World’s largest umbilicals AKER Solutions has won an order valued at more than NOK1.6bn (£151m) to deliver the largest umbilicals system ever.

The contract involves the delivery of 250km of steel-tube umbilicals linking a subsea development to an existing offshore platform. The work will be led

by Aker Solutions in Oslo and manufacturing will take place at the company’s umbilicals plant in Moss, Norway. Delivery is set for the end of 2018.

The parties have agreed to not disclose the name of the project or customer at this point.

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FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

Property Feature

Changing rooms

“We are going to see the use of buildings change. For example, Denburn House on Union Terrace is going to hotel use from office use and another example is the Triple Kirks. That was going to be offices but was changed to student accommodation with the developer now on site.”

Eric Shearer, partner, Knight Frank 14

MAJOR changes may lie ahead for the landscape of the commercial property market in Aberdeen as a result of the recent recession which will also have a significant impact on the residential property market.

While it may result in demolitions and undeveloped sites on the periphery of the city it could lead to new life being breathed into empty properties in Aberdeen city centre as they are converted from commercial to alternative uses.

One of the main goals of the Aberdeen City Centre Masterplan is to attract people to return to live and work in the city centre.

Eric Shearer, a partner in estate agents Knight Frank, is hopeful that a study which has been carried out to inform the best way to achieve that will recommend that planning gains will not be mandatory for city centre developments and that will stimulate activity.

He believes there may be many positives to emerge from what has been a challenging few years.

“The oil price goes through these cycles every five to seven years, almost like clockwork, so I am always surprised that some people are surprised.

“This is similar to the fall in 1987 which was awful and took about four years to come out of.

“If you do a comparison with the oil price trajectory since the drop at the end of 2014 it is very similar – but the big difference is that the last time we didn’t have the stock of property.”

Recently housebuilder Malcolm Allan demolished an 18-year-old threestorey office block on the Pitmedden Industrial Estate in Dyce for which the company had been unable to find a new tenant. Firms are required to pay 90% of full rates on properties empty for more than three months and the demolition cost was less than the £110,000 annual rates bill the company faced.

FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

“I think we will see more demolitions soon because of the vacant rates liability and building obsolescence,” said Eric. “Five or six years ago you could let almost any property, like the BT building next to the station, because there was nowhere else to go.

to be demolished or an alternative use will have to be found. In some cases it might be residential but residential has taken a bit of a hammering as well.

There are 5,400 properties on ASPC (Aberdeen Solicitors’ Property Centre), the highest it has ever been.

“Now, if you’re looking for 2000sq ft of offices you’ll probably find 50 opportunities and if you’re looking for 150,000sq ft property there is not such a big choice, but you will have a choice.”

“We are going to see the use of buildings change. For example, Denburn House on Union Terrace is going to hotel use from office use and another example is the Triple Kirks.

That was going to be offices but was changed to student accommodation with the developer now on site.

He said all the new offices around the city had been built because of a dearth of high quality accommodation and now there was a surplus. Also, most of the large oil and service companies have already moved into new offices in recent years so they are unlikely to be a significant source of business in the next five years.

“I doubt if you will see speculative offices being built during that period,” he said.

“The many buildings which will not find reuse as offices are either going

“The city centre has also seen significant developments at Marischal Square, the Capitol and the Silver Fin.” Mr Shearer believes sellers expectations may have to come down to meet buyers’ expectations in some areas.

really happened to any degree,” he added.

“However, I am reasonably optimistic that the long awaited council report on the city centre will be positive and that the city centre we will see the upper floors of Union Street, for example, come back into life as residential.

“It could also provide an opportunity for young people to get on the housing ladder. For example, we have two graduates in our office who only a year ago couldn’t afford flats but now they can because one-bedroom flats which might have been £160,000 to £170,000 are now selling for between £100,000 to £120,000.

“It’s yin and yang and the yang is that for a lot of people Aberdeen has become much more affordable.”

“There is 2.5m sq ft available office space on the market in Aberdeen.

Some of that in the West End may go back to residential but we talked about that during the last slump and it never 15

NEWS | DECEMBER 2017

Members News Award for DF Communications DF COMMUNICATIONS of Aberdeen has won the Best Enterprise Unified Communications Solution at the 2017 Comms National Awards in London.

DF Communications was also highly commended in another category, Best Enterprise Cloud Solution.

Both award entries focused on project work completed for North Star Shipping – part of the Craig Group – which reduced costs and improved communications for the client. In total, DF Communications connected 136 hosted IP phones on 31 vessels in North Star Shipping’s fleet, which supports up to 48 offshore installations in the North West European Area (NWEA).

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£10m contract for Richard Irvin From left, DF Communications David Ralston, network services manager, Fiona Fraser, managing director and Craig Forsyth, sales director.

RICHARD Irvin Energy Solution’s Technical FM team has been awarded a twoyear contract with CarillionAmey to provide maintenance and support at the army barracks and military bases in Hampshire, Dorset and Northern Ireland.

The work, which is worth an estimated £10m, builds on the company’s successful working relationship with CarillionAmey, which dates back to 2014.

RESEARCH UPDATE | DECEMBER 2017

Inside Knowledge EFFECTIVE research involves asking the right questions of the right people, that’s the process bit. However, more importantly effectively implementing research findings will help you grow your business.

Emma Smalley,

research team leader, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce

As a Chamber member you have access to a specialist team who can help you anticipate, understand and inform change. The insight we create is best known for helping to inform our regional stakeholders and sectors on where they are and where industry is going. However, most of the work

We act as an extension to your team and were proud to have the largest team of Market Research Society accredited and affiliated professionals in the North-east.

To find out more, email emma.smalley@agcc.co.uk or phone 01224 343928.

Here are some surprising answers to questions you’ve never asked:

Amazingly the team has completed over 100 projects in the last three years

Our staff survey package is available for less than £1,000

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we do is for members who want independent and robust data. We get asked questions about the views of staff and customers or on the size of markets and market penetration. We’ve been asked all sorts and usually have a way to get a simple answer.

There are about 4 decades of research experience between the members of the research team (even though they don’t look old enough!)

We’ve worked on assessing demand for new services, product lines, economic impact studies and even quantified the size of entire industries

Opinion

Size isn’t everything THE time spent searching for an ideal working environment can have a huge impact on a business’s productivity.

Each individual business has specific requirements and everything needs to be taken into consideration, from suitable parking and adequate meeting space, to the ambiance and even lighting.

by Carolynne Yule,

HR & business support manager, Waterloo Quay Properties

Office space in cities can often bring its own challenges, such as poor internet signals in old buildings to a severe lack of parking and business owners can be left frustrated at the lack of flexibility of property managers.

But times are changing. Over the last few years a large number of businesses in Aberdeen have relocated to smaller spaces, leaving large office spaces empty, and those who signed long term leases are now regretting their optimism.

Office space can be a major investment and ongoing cost. Once the boxes are unpacked and the business cards printed, a company benefits from stability both in terms of employee morale and business reputation. Securing the right property to base a business is one of the biggest decisions managers and business owners will make.

Whether a company is downsizing or a start-up is looking for space for the first time, businesses today want flexibility, and, most importantly, value for money.

Property managers need to offer office space to businesses of all sizes, from those just looking for a desk, an address and on-site parking, to larger organisations requiring open-plan spaces, large meeting rooms and on-site fitness and catering facilities.

Excellent and reliable IT and telecoms support is becoming increasingly important, with each business having their own set of IT requirements, and parking for clients can be a challenge in a busy city, so offering guest parking may be a deal-maker for many businesses.

Recently, Waterloo Quay Properties (WQP) developed Quay Life, which offers an even more enhanced customer-focused service. This flexibility has seen tenants grow from virtual offices to their own dedicated spaces, expanding their businesses alongside larger companies located in Waterloo Quay’s grade A office space.

OPINION | DECEMBER 2017

Carolynne Yule

Networking and collaboration is a crucial element of business development, therefore WQP has a vibrant on-site café, 210 Caboose, that is exclusive to tenants and their guests, as well as members of the corporate coffee club. On-site networking opportunities can add value to a business, avoiding the costs of staff being away for large periods of time. Furthermore, collaborating with neighbouring businesses can bring substantial cost benefits, and many of our tenants have worked together in recent years to deliver joint, cost effective projects for their mutual clients.

Offering a good working environment and staff benefits goes a long way to helping morale and retention, and improving productivity. One of the most popular benefits in recent times has been subsidised gym memberships as many large companies recognise the benefits of encouraging health and wellbeing in and out of the workplace.

WQP’s multi-gym with squash courts, table tennis table and shower facilities, has been cited as a major reason for many of our tenants choosing the facility.

This customer-driven model has led to an occupancy level of over 90%, and a buzzing, positive and productive working environment for all of our tenants, regardless of business size.

Looking forward, property managers need to be flexible and see each new potential tenant as a long-term partner. Collaboration and outstanding customer service are key to filling empty office spaces – and if you can get a parking space and a great cup of coffee, it’s all the better.

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Advertising Feature

ADVERTISING FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

Sport Aberdeen Investing in the future AS A registered charity, Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities, inspiring people and changing lives through sport and physical activity. Through investing in facilities at the heart of local communities the leisure trust aims to address issues around inactivity and motivate more people to get active, creating a healthier city.

In January, the Jesmond Sports Centre underwent a million-pound refit carried out by The Pulse Group, who were named as Sport Aberdeen’s fitness development partner in 2015.

The refit, part of the charity’s commitment to investing in its citywide venues, was hailed a resounding success with a

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monumental 465% increase in members six months after reopening.

is reinvested into the communities and the people it serves.

The centre, now named Get active @ Jesmond, has been cited as ‘setting the gold standard’ for community sport, cementing Sport Aberdeen’s overarching ethos that everyone is entitled to access quality sport and activity opportunities because sport and being active can change lives.

Sport Aberdeen is the driving force behind numerous charitable projects that touch lives in communities, from free organised health walks to donating activity sessions to the Befriend a Child initiative, the charity is committed to creating accessible opportunities. These are just two examples of the many projects that Sport Aberdeen delivers, working hard to ensure there are #naeexcuses not to get active in Aberdeen, so this new year, tell us, what’s your excuse?

The facility now also includes an immersive spin studio and a virtual activity zone, one of the first of its kind in Scotland, bringing interactive fitness into an accessible and community setting.

Dedicated to creating opportunities for each and every person in Aberdeen to be able to take part in sport and physical activity; every penny generated by Sport Aberdeen

Sport Aberdeen offers individual, child, older adult and tailored Active Workforce memberships, see www. sportaberdeen.co.uk for more details.

Business and the beautiful game

by Brian Wilson

ABERDEEN Football Club’s bid to create a new stadium complex at Kingsford will soon be determined one way or another.

That is for the planning process to decide and I will not intrude upon that debate. From a purely footballing perspective, however, few would dispute that a change of home makes sense if the Dons are to fulfill their full potential.

Traditional football stadiums belong, quite literally, to another age when the vast majority of supporters walked to games, locations close to city centres made sense, training requirements were primitive and sports science was an unknown concept. Pittodrie, home to Aberdeen since 1903, conforms to all these conditions. If the club is going to adapt to modern expectations, then it needs the space to do so.

Brian Wilson looks at the issues facing North-east business. A journalist and former Labour MP, he held five ministerial posts including UK energy minister.

He is now a UK business ambassador, and chairman of Harris Tweed Hebrides.

My own adherence is to another club which currently benefits from domination of the Scottish scene.

However, everyone with the good of the game at heart knows that competition is healthy and, indeed, essential if public interest is to be maintained. They also know that Aberdeen, with a huge catchment area to draw on, is one of the very few clubs with the potential to become a permanent, competitive force.

Scottish football in general suffers from being locked into a ‘small league’ environment. There is vast global interest in the big European leagues – the English Premiership more than any other. This is reflected in revenues from television. Last season, the bottom club in the Premiership netted over £100m from TV rights while the most successful Scottish club made do with £3m. The gulf is vast and dictates an entirely different business model.

At present, the gap continues to widen with pressures from the wealthiest European clubs for elite competitions restricted, pretty much, to themselves.

But the situation is extremely fluid with counter-forces arguing that the competitive element within football must not give way to a circus of the super-rich. Scottish clubs with aspirations need to be ready to take advantage of whatever structures emerge – or be marginalized into an increasingly parochial environment.

BUSINESS BITES | DECEMBER 2017

Business Bites

One of the problems for Scottish football has been the early exit of clubs from European competitions. In the past three seasons, Aberdeen have fallen to opposition from Kazkhstan, Slovenia and Cyprus, leaving them 174th in European standings. That is certainly not a reflection of the club’s potential or past standing in Europe but it is a clear indicator that, without the room to progress, even clubs with a proud history are at risk of being left behind.

Public authorities also need to recognise football as an important economic driver. It provides profile both nationally and internationally. It creates employment and brings trade into the city. The bigger the occasion or the competition, the more business flows from it. And, of course, there is nothing like a successful football club to boost civic pride – as Aberdonians have good reason to recall.

Those who run the Dons are well aware of all this and, whatever happens to the planning application, the club’s aspirations to be bigger and better deserve an approving roar from the crowd.

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UK Manager Craig Menzies with Deirdre Michie and Lord Cullen

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The new and improved facility covers 3800 sq. ft. and sees a new Observation Room added to improve the delivery of exercising and major simulated events. A new phone system will allow for recorded calls for a more auditable service, and cameras and microphones in the Incident Management Room (IMR) will allow services to be provided for client duty managers operating remotely, effectively equipping the facility to support clients around the globe, not just those based in the region.

The Centre provides a range of training courses including: • Care for People • Incident Management Training • Family Liaison • Breaking Bad News • Responding to Relatives • OIM Legislation • OIM Controlling Emergencies • OPEP Courses • CRO ER • MEM IR • Duty Manager Training • Media Response • Health & Safety Courses info@restrata.com | +44 01224 588442 20

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NEWS | DECEMBER 2017

Members News OGTC contract for food and drinks trio THE Oil & Gas Technology Centre has awarded the exclusive catering contract for the newly-opened Innovation Hub to a collective of three locally-owned businesses.

Local drinksmith, 10 Dollar Shake, has teamed up with caterer, Salt & Sauce and Holburn Street-based grilled cheese toastie shop, Melt, to provide food and drink services for all the Technology Centre’s events over the next 12 months.

Up to 100 events, including workshops, technology showcases and tech talks, will take place each year, using the skills and experience of each partner in the collective for different aspects of the contract, from delegate breakfasts and light lunches to evening canapes and drinks receptions.

The Oil & Gas Technology Centre was established in October 2016 with £180m funding as part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal. As an industry-led research and knowledge organisation, it is backed by both the UK and Scottish governments to fund and direct projects which help to unlock the full potential of the UK North Sea. It aims to be the go-to technology centre for the oil and gas industry in the UK and internationally.

Adrian Gomes of 10 Dollar Shake

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Light fantastic SPECTRA 2017 – Aberdeen’s spectacular festival of light – has won Large Event of the Year and Team of the Year at The Drum Scottish Event Awards 2017.

SPECTRA is produced by Curated Place for Aberdeen City Council, supported

by Event Scotland and Creative Scotland and involves local and international artists creating spectacular light installations across the city centre each February.

This year’s festival was enjoyed by around 65,000 visitors across four days, almost double the attendance of the 2016 festival. Participatory workshops involved Aberdeen schools as well as professional development for local artists and students.

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Success for Genesis ONE of the North-east’s oldest recruitment companies has joined forces with one of the world’s largest offshore shipping companies as it seeks to grow its Aberdeen-based operations.

Genesis Personnel – which operates from premises in Aberdeen and Peterhead – is working with Norwegian-based SolstadFarstad as it expands its presence in and around the North-east of Scotland.

The Genesis Personnel team has been entrusted with recruiting for various highprofile positions, including vessel manager, commercial manager and technical superintendent to assist SolstadFarstad’s Aberdeen-based operations.

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Advertising Feature

ADVERTISING FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

Technology

Accelerating new technology to transform the UKCS THE Technology Centre is here to help maximise economic recovery from the UK Continental Shelf, anchor the supply chain in the North-east of Scotland and create a culture of innovation across the region.

TechX is a key element to deliver this.

by David Millar,

TechX director, the Oil & Gas Technology Centre

TechX, our unique and exciting technology accelerator, launched on December 7 to attract the next generation of new technology startups and SMEs to the region, and help validate and commercialise their solutions.

We’re looking for new companies from all industries and from every corner of the globe to make the North-east of Scotland their home, so we can anchor the supply chain here in years to come and secure the future of the UK oil and gas industry.

Our aim is to invest in more than 100 technology companies in the next decade, offering an intense development programme, dedicated facilities, rapid product prototyping, expert mentors and partners, fast access to the market, field testing and unparalleled funding with no equity or pay back required.

We offer three funding programmes to accelerate the development and deployment of new technology: • Pioneers: Competition-based entry for intense, four-month programme at the Centre, with funding of up to £100,000 available per company.

Focused on start-ups with gamechanging technology that require support to develop and validate their product, develop customers and attract additional investment to scale their business.

• Market Entry: Fast track market validation, product development and field trial opportunities for SMEs, predominantly with technologies from non-oil and gas industries.

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• Ventures: Transforming tomorrow by filling future technology gaps with game-changing companies and technologies, formed through deep science creative thinking.

The response to TechX so far has surpassed our expectations. More than 70 industry leaders, entrepreneurs and investors have signed up to provide expert advice, guidance, support and connections with their network to those going through TechX. Over 20 industrial and technology partners are offering their expertise and access to facilities, to help accelerate product development and market entry.

Partners and mentors will benefit from unprecedented access to companies at the forefront of technology development, voting rights in the TechX screening process, complete involvement in all stages of the programme and the opportunity to invest in the TechX companies.

The TechX offering leverages the best practices of successful accelerators around the world and is uniquely tailored to the challenges of entering oil and gas. For anyone looking to take their technology into our industry – look no further than TechX. We look forward to accelerating the next generation of technologies and companies that will help transform our industry, bring an exciting new technology supply chain to Aberdeen and put the North-east of Scotland back at the forefront of technology development.

Visit www.theogtc.com/techx to apply for a funding programme or register your interest in becoming a mentor or partner organisation.

Opinion OPINION | DECEMBER 2017

Michael Spence

Managing the risk of changing standards AS LARGE corporates recognise the benefits of working with small startups, collaboration is becoming an increasingly important route to innovation.

Our research into the power of collaboration found that in the last four years almost 350 deals worth a total of over £4bn took place between Scottish SMEs and large organisations.

by Michael Spence,

partner & head of Womble Bond Dickinson’s Aberdeen office

We can trace collaborative innovation back to the 1990s, when global pharmaceutical firms began relying on small innovators for early stage drug development.

Today, corporates across a range of sectors are exploring the potential of collaborative innovation. Over the last four years, large organisations have invested over £102bn in deals with UK SMEs, dwarfing the £62bn spent on R&D. Scotland is the region with the third highest level of investment, with most deals taking place in the insurance and manufacturing sectors.

During a time of uncertainty, Scottish businesses can find an edge through innovation. If SMEs and corporates work together, they can develop concepts more quickly and bring them to market more efficiently than they could alone. While startups are techsavvy and nimble, they often lack the market reach and financial muscle to deliver their ideas. Corporates, on the other hand, often struggle to innovate.

In the Scottish oil and gas industry large energy companies are partnering with SMEs and researchers to find ways to deal with the challenges brought by the low oil price in the North Sea. The Aberdeen-based Oil

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and Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC) is helping to link industry and academia, providing funding, technical expertise and project management resource for collaborative endeavours.

In the financial services sector, meanwhile, large companies are working with Scottish fintech startups to adapt to a changing market. Last year, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) launched a new Entrepreneurial Spark hub at its Edinburgh headquarters, and this year the hub has been expanded to include space for fintech startups.

RBS has spoken about the importance of the fintech sector for the Scottish economy, and startups housed in the new hub have praised the support that they’re receiving from the finance giant.

Finding the right deal structure is crucial for a successful partnership, and opting for a formal but flexible partnership rather than an acquisition can help to protect startup culture and also help the corporate to manage risk. More flexible models of collaboration are on the rise according to our research, with minority stake investments involving UK SMEs rising from 587 deals in 2013/14 to 716 in 2015/16.

After increasing steadily, the number of collaborative deals has dropped following the Brexit vote. However, this may create an opportunity for those who want to get ahead of the competition. While others delay due to uncertainty it is a perfect time to step forward with fostering innovation by forging your own partnership.

Nationwide Brand. Your Local Business Kuwait contract for Tendeka TENDEKA, a global leader in advanced completions and production optimisation, has been awarded a project to supply the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) with its Inflow Control Device (ICD) technology which will enhance production through more effective reservoir management.

The multi-million-pound deal will involve Tendeka installing Advanced ICD equipment in 55 horizontal wells over two years in Northern Kuwait.

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£500m for investment in technology and equipment LLOYDS Bank Commercial Banking has launched a £500m growth fund to help British businesses improve productivity through investment in technology and equipment.

The fund aims to support sectors where high-spec machinery and innovations like automation and other technology can help businesses boost productivity and grow in a competitive marketplace.

Firms will be able to use asset finance to get quick access to the funds they need to buy expensive business critical equipment without damaging their working capital.

Businesses interested in accessing the fund to pursue growth plans should speak to their local Lloyds Bank relationship manager, or call 0345 602 4796.

NEWS | DECEMBER 2017

Members News

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Wood designs world first THE HONGHUA Group Limited has awarded a $12m frontend engineering design (FEED) contract to Wood for its liquefied natural gas platform development in the West Delta area of the Gulf of Mexico.

The main objective of the FEED is to finalise the design of the world’s first offshore platform-based natural gas liquefaction and storage facility. Wood recently completed the pre-FEED for this project.

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FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

Construction Feature

Above: Lorna Gillespie, interior designer and project co-ordinator, Mitch Gaglardi, director and Mark Blackwood, site manager

Enter Sandman A FORMER seat of learning in the heart of Aberdeen is poised to play a key role in the revitalisation of the city.

A £20m transformation to turn what was once the Robert Gordon University School of Computing in St Andrew Street into a 218-room fourstar hotel is nearing completion.

“We were keen to come to Scotland and we were very excited to get a city centre location. We like to be very much involved in the cities in which we are investing.”

Mitch Gaglardi, director, Sandman Hotel Group

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The development is the first in Scotland by the Sandman Hotel Group, Canada’s fastest-growing, privately-owned hospitality company.

It is almost exactly half a century since Bob Gaglardi opened his first 30-bedroom hotel in Smithers, British Columbia, and since then it has launched at least one property a year and now has around 50 hotels, resorts, inns and suites from British Columbia to Quebec, the UK and several more properties under development.

Sandman Signature Hotels & Resorts is the group’s brand with high-end amenities such as spas, restaurants, rooms, business centres, concierge and valet service and the Aberdeen hotel will be the third in the UK following the success of its Newcastle and Gatwick hotels which opened in 2011 and 2014.

Today Bob Gaglardi remains chairman, working alongside sons Tom, who is CEO, and Mitch who is developing the UK arm of the business and lives in Aberdeen.

In 2014 when they bought the 1909 building Aberdeen was booming and Brent crude was topping $100 a barrel.

Mitch said although it plunged to less than half that price in the following years their confidence in the future of Aberdeen, and their investment, had never wavered.

“In 2014 Aberdeen obviously had a great market in terms of oil and I had been here dozens of times looking around properties, but it hadn’t worked out. When I came the hotels were often full and very busy, but sometimes a little worn down, and I always felt it was a great market for us to enter.

“We were keen to come to Scotland and I had always wanted to live here, and we were very excited to get a city centre location. We like to be very much involved in the cities in which we are investing.

“This is a great building and it’s going to be a legacy asset for us. Obviously the market isn’t what it once was but

FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

Photographs by Louise Norrie

the investment still stacks up. Many people continue to come to Aberdeen and there is still a lot of wealth and human capital here and I believe in the future of this market.”

“The hotel market is down but Aberdeen is still a better market than a lot of other provincial ones so we are building a really nice hotel and we aim to have the best product.

He said they could have chosen to build one of the group’s three-star brand hotels but decided to stick with their four-star plans.

“There are many people coming to Aberdeen now with the Chamber, VisitAberdeenshire and other bodies actively investing in the city.”

“There was a discussion about that but whether oil gets back to where it was, while not irrelevant, is not as much a factor as some think.

He said that while even 10 years ago travellers were looking for global consistency in the quality of hotel accommodation that had changed.

“Almost the entire Canadian economy is based on some sort of resource or another. Alberta is oil, British Columbia is timber, manufacturing and mining and the east coast is fisheries - so I guess we are used to seeing these peaks and troughs and are more cognisant of that.

They could guarantee that consistency from the big brands which meant a room and breakfast in Budapest might be almost identical to a room and breakfast in Aberdeen.

“So, what if oil goes to zero tomorrow?

- and that conversation happened,” he said. “It’s a very very unlikely scenario but the answer was ‘Well we want to be downtown where there’s more of a future.’

“Oil has been volatile recently but it is usually really steady but even if it doesn’t come back we are prepared for that scenario.

Now, he believes the majority of people want to know where they are when they wake up.

“When Jack Texas from Houston visits Aberdeen he maybe wants to go into a hotel see granite on the walls and come down and find haggis and porridge or whatever.

from all over to Aberdeen. It is unique.

I have met more expats in Aberdeen than any other city in the UK except London.

“We have bolsters that are leather which is a nod to Aberdeen Angus, we have a little bit of plaid and tartan in the room, just a little bit, so you know you are in Scotland and a few other design items. In the building itself there is a lot of visible granite and visible original brick which has been carefully restored.”

Although the 240-seat Chop Bar and Grill in the hotel will adopt many of the Canadian dishes which have proved very successful in Newcastle and Gatwick there will be a significant offering of local beef and fish.

The hotel, which opens in Spring, will have conference facilities, a gym and is currently in discussions about a coffee shop or retail facilities facing St Andrew Street. It will employ around 240 staff, including part timers.

“We are selling an experience as much as a room,” said Mitch.

“We will have a whisky lounge in Aberdeen with whisky lockers in which guests from abroad can store a bottle – and everyone seems to come 27

Advertising Feature

ADVERTISING FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

Property

Aberdein Considine continues growth with £500,000 investment ABERDEIN Considine has accelerated its growth plans after announcing a significant investment in further expansion across Scotland.

The Aberdeen-headquartered business has also strengthened its senior legal capability with the appointment of two new partners in its family law team.

Karl Brown, a founding partner of Aberdeen legal business Murray & Brown, has moved to Aberdein Considine’s family law team in the Granite City.

April Campbell, a former associate at Jeffrey Aitken, has joined as partner to spearhead the firm’s matrimonial and family operation in Stirling and Glasgow.

And with funding from the Royal Bank of Scotland, the business taken over two-storey accommodation in the Stirling’s central Port Street.

The office is the first of the firm’s ‘new generation’ of high street premises, blending estate agency, legal and independent financial services. Over time, they will be phased across its

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national network, including Peterhead, Ellon, Westhill, Inverurie, Dyce, Aberdeen, Stonehaven and Banchory.

Managing partner Jacqueline Law said: “Our expansion underlines our commitment to the high street, where we now have a more diverse range of expertise on offer than ever before.

“The way that people choose a professional adviser is changing, particularly in estate agency, where some people have been lured by a veil of low fixed fees.

“We truly believe that it is in the public’s best interest to deal with expert local professionals who can offer market knowledge together with strong digital marketing.”

The firm has also expanded its marketing team, with experienced communications expert Omar Mohammed joining the firm in a senior PR and external affairs role.

His move follows a 26 year career with RBS and four years at Clydesdale Bank, as well as a short spell helping to establish the Green Investment Bank.

He will work under director of marketing Ryan Crighton as the firm

targets new clients in the legal and financial services sectors.

Jamie Smith, relationship manager for Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Aberdein Considine’s Port Street office will add to the legal firm’s already significant offering to businesses, families and individuals, across Scotland.

“Royal Bank of Scotland’s funding will help support development of the new office as the firm looks to grow its presence in Stirling and the central belt.”

Aberdein Considine offers property, legal and financial services to private and commercial clients across Scotland. Its clients include global banking giants Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group and Santander, as well high street retailers including Greggs PLC and Rox. Sixteen of its lawyers are recommended in the recent Legal 500 guide, which ranked the firm as a leading player in the corporate and commercial, commercial litigation, commercial real estate, debt recovery and family law sectors.

Aberdein Considine provides a high-quality service whilst maintaining value-for-money

FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

Headline Feature

Not our words, but those of the independent Legal 500 guide, which ranks us as one of Scotland’s top firms in the fields of Corporate and Commercial Law, Commercial Litigation, Commercial Real Estate and Debt Recovery.

Our heads of Corporate Real Estate and Litigation, Paul Jennings and Leonie Donald, are also ranked as “leaders in their field” by the Chambers and Partners guide to the world’s top lawyers.

We’re committed to delivering quality, partner-led support to our clients, who range from SMEs through to high street retailers, development groups and FTSE100 firms.

To find out how we can help your business, call 01224 589700 or visit aberdeinconsidine.com/legal

recommended by:

Corporate Law

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Commercial Real Estate

we know how the land lies I

Debt Recovery

I

Litigation

I

Employment Law 29

NEWS | DECEMBER 2017

Members News Up for a laugh THE 11-day Aberdeen Comedy Festival in October, delivered by Aberdeen Inspired, sold 3,198 tickets and audiences increased by 30% compared to the debut festival in 2016.

It featured local, national and international comedians who performed more than 50 comedy shows in the Granite City at 27 city centre venues.

The festival was sponsored by McGinty’s Meal An’ Ale and organised with programme partner Breakneck Comedy and included a selection of one man stand up shows as well as mixed bills where several comedians took to the stage.

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, praised the public for supporting the festival and said plans for next year’s festival are already being discussed.

“The response from the public, local businesses and visitors to the festival has been fantastic once again and we are delighted to see an increase in audience numbers this year.

Aberdeen Comedy Festival -

Fred MacAulay

“Although only in its second year, this is Scotland’s third largest comedy festival and has proved extremely popular with the public and comedy fans from Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and further afield. “The feedback we have received from the public, visitors and businesses proves there is a big appetite for events on this scale in the Granite City. We will be working to bring the festival back again next year and build upon the success of the first two years.”

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Zamil and UTEC join forces ZAMIL Offshore Services and UTEC, an Acteon company, have formed a strategic partnership in which both companies will work together exclusively to execute offshore survey projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

UTEC has global survey experience and Zamil Offshore has marine and offshore operations experience and local in-Kingdom knowledge.

UTEC has upscaled its operations in the Middle East since establishing a presence in the region 18 months ago. The company has invested in growth and now employs 20 onshore and offshore personnel from its office in Abu Dhabi.

Zamil Offshore is a fully integrated offshore and marine services company which owns and operates one of the largest support vessel fleets in the Middle East, is a pioneer in shipbuilding and ship/rig repair in Saudi Arabia and is an active player in the offshore construction industry.

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Swagelok in Teesside FLUID systems specialist Swagelok Scotland, Teesside & Ireland has invested more than £120,000 in a new training facility in Teesside, England.

The Aberdeen-headquartered firm now provides training services from Middlesbrough College and has taken up residence in the £20m STEM Centre.

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AAB MONTHLY OPINION | DECEMBER 2017

AAB Monthly opinion Requirement to correct AS MOST people are now aware, there is a consensus among worldwide tax authorities to gather and share information to minimise tax avoidance through utilising offshore interests.

The aim is, of course, to ensure that all tax revenue is collected. The Common Reporting Standard (CRS) was introduced as a global standard for the automatic exchange of information and the UK now has reciprocal agreements with hundreds of other countries to share relevant tax information.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have already been acting on information received under the CRS process. Letters regarding offshore investments and assets have been issued to taxpayers requesting the completion and signing of wide ranging declarations on the accuracy of historical tax reporting, with the wording not limited to the offshore investments.

The rules relate to UK income tax, inheritance tax and capital gains tax payable in connection with offshore matters.

The potential sanctions are as follows: 1. Tax geared penalties of between 100% - 200% of tax unpaid 2. Asset based penalty of up to 10% of asset value if undisclosed tax exceeds £25,000 3. A bility to publicly name those in the most serious cases 4. Enhanced penalties of up to 300% of tax unpaid if HMRC can prove assets were moved in an attempt to avoid RTC

As we approach the first full automatic exchange of information between those countries, HMRC will begin imposing significant sanctions against individuals who have not previously declared such information, and have underpaid their UK taxes.

The Requirement to Correct (RTC) now imposes upon individuals, trusts and estates a requirement to submit a full disclosure to HMRC correcting any underpaid UK tax in respect of offshore interests by the 30th September 2018. Should they fail to do so by this deadline, the new tougher RTC sanctions will be imposed.

by Stuart Petrie

senior tax manager , Anderson Anderson & Brown LLP

The sanctions also apply to genuine errors and mistakes. Under current regimes, there is a distinction between careless errors and deliberate ones, with the potential for a nil penalty for the former. However, the minimum charge will be 100% in RTC failure cases.

In view of all of the above measures, anyone who holds overseas assets or investments should undertake a review of their tax reporting as soon as possible, and well before September 2018. Professional advice is also essential before any declarations are signed, or any type of disclosure is made to HMRC.

The correct formula for your business ANDERSON ANDERSON & BROWN LLP

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Advertising Feature

ADVERTISING FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

Skills

Transform your workforce

Theresa Day, head coach, Mindblox

AT MINDBLOX we have codified leading-edge human performance techniques to assist people to achieve their goals.

These techniques, which have been tried and tested over many years come from the fields of behavioural psychology, neuro linguistic programming, sports psychology and performance mentoring amongst others.

Mindblox enables you and your team to optimise your performance in any area of your life.

A key component of the Mindblox delivery system is the ability to apply the technologies and align this with coaching on a large scale. So if you have a need to transform attitudes and behaviours, Mindblox is a powerful vehicle for effecting such change.

Mindblox can be used most effectively by creating a programme designed to deliver the outcomes you or your team desire.

Engage – by setting out to understand your challenges and your goals, we will outline how Mindblox can be applied to deliver the results you want.

Follow through - the value of followthrough cannot be underestimated.

The feel good factor and realigned focus of your target group can diminish after the initial delivery.

Follow-through gives your people the chance to stay energised and focused.

Head coach at Mindblox, Theresa Day, is fast becoming a key player in the world of performance coaching, helping her clients change for the better, be that in their professional or personal lives. From wellbeing to transforming their habits, this is one lady you should watch.

Don’t be fooled by her soft-spoken approach. Theresa is a passionate, dynamic and empowered coach, speaker and author. Back in 2010, she launched the group Monday Motivation to expand her work and research into the dynamics that make people perform at their best. She has grown a loyal following and dynamic tribe who are living proof that what she shares is practical, sensible and life changing. Her latest e-book, The Mindblox Success Dictionary, is worth a read.

Design - Mindblox technology takes account of your goals, your timescale, the scale of the task in terms of the number of people who need to be reached, and your budget. Our methodology for managing delivery of the key messages over time to a group of people whilst engaging them in the process is fundamental to a successful outcome.

Deliver - we run the programme in accordance with the parameters you set.

... No Limits Fulfilment Success Happiness 32

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mindblox.co.uk

Opinion Transforming social care in the UK

by Edel Harris,

chief executive officer, Cornerstone

THE Scottish and UK social care sector is subject to a fast-changing and challenging environment, leading many care provider organisations and commissioners of social care services to seriously consider options for change.

LC is made up of several elements, all of which combine to ensure the best care and support is provided in such a way as to meet individual need:

The current system serves no-one well.

Hospitals are short of beds because the frail cannot be discharged without support that is not there, care workers are undervalued and underpaid, and we have an ageing population, with more than a million older people in the UK with unmet care needs (Office of National Statistics, Sept 2016).

• The introduction of cutting-edge technology that enhances people’s lives and keeps family members in touch with what is happening

Demand for care is expected to grow 70% in 10 years, with more than 90,000 new staff needed over the next decade to cope with the rising numbers. According to the Care Quality Commission’s 2015/16 State of Care report, ‘the system is at tipping point’.

Cornerstone’s research and, more importantly, our conversations with the people we care for, tell us that individuals who require care and support really don’t ask for much – they want to be supported by a small team of people who know them well and share their interests; they want to be supported by professional people who understand their disability or condition; they want caring and empathetic people in their lives who use imagination and creative skills to design services around each individual.

Families in particular need practical help and advice to navigate the system.

Cornerstone has embarked on an ambitious journey to transform the way social care is delivered, commissioned and funded in Scotland.

Inspired by the very successful work of Buurtzorg in the Netherlands, we have introduced a new model which we are calling ‘Local Cornerstone’ (LC).

OPINION | DECEMBER 2017

Edel Harris

• Neighbourhood care and support provided by a network of selfmanaging teams of caring and upskilled team members

• New efficient business systems that allow colleagues to spend more time with the people they support and less time on process and paperwork • An autonomous network of local branches to ensure decision-making happens in the communities we serve • The establishment of the Cornerstone Foundation, which raises charitable funds to help all the people we support to live a valued life • Strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including commissioners and regulators • An ethos of coaching, mentoring, trust and empowerment supported by our team of experienced coaches rather than a traditional management system • The establishment of Cornerstone Central to provide exceptional service to branches and teams when required • Telling our stories to inspire others to change This is an ambitious change programme but if we can successfully evaluate the model and demonstrate an improvement in outcomes for the people we support and an overall saving to the public purse then we believe we will be in a position to influence a transformation in the social care sector which will be to everyone’s benefit.

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NEWS | DECEMBER 2017

Members News Call for walls ORGANISERS of Nuart Aberdeen have made a “call for walls” to identify sites in the city centre for new street art murals to be developed when the festival returns in 2018.

The international award-winning festival made its debut earlier this year and a team of globally acclaimed artists showcased their talents by producing powerful murals which attracted large crowds over the Easter weekend.

In anticipation of the festival returning next year, work is already underway to find prospective new walls to use and the festival project team are keen to hear from property owners and businesses that would like to be involved.

Nuart artwork by Martin Whatson

Martyn Reed, director and curator of Nuart, said: “The artists, team and partners had an incredible first year in Aberdeen, a truly remarkable event that we took a lot of credit and accolades for alongside our partners, Aberdeen Inspired.

It’s always a little humbling taking credit for Nuart, because the reality is, the event is a huge collaborative undertaking between so many different talented and passionate individuals and partners. This is where our ‘call for walls’ comes in. It’s a truly democratic way to have the public and local businesses involved in where the art might be placed.”

Walls must be in a good condition for painting and interested parties should contact the Nuart Aberdeen project team on: 01224 566291 or email: callforwalls@aberdeeninspired.com.

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A wish for Christmas IT IS fast approaching year end and we have spent (some of) the past couple of months considering our 2018 policy objectives (we did some work too) after asking you in September for views.

by Rebecca Campbell, policy executive, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce

You are aware the work we do is often reactive and very much dependent on the political environment, which you also know is very difficult to predict.

However, there are policy areas which are fundamental to the business environment in the North-east which will continue to be important in 2018 too.

At the end of October we held the last policy council meeting of the year and discussed our focus over the next 12 months. The council members worked in groups to reflect upon our policy activity and campaigns and think about what should be our priorities going forward.

Business rates?

Digital connectivity?

Policy summaries?

Transport?

The productive session led to new suggestions (and some debates) about our work for the region.

Some of the feedback from the meeting was the need to have longer term strategies rather than short term annual plans. There was also discussion on how expert groups could be formed to help on certain sectoral work. A smaller group has since worked up a more refined plan and we are teasing you ahead of the February Business Bulletin when this will be published.

POLICY UPDATE | DECEMBER 2017

Policy Update

However, fear not – we will continue to be the voice of business for the Northeast of Scotland‌.just with a new vibe. There is still time to shape our plan though so let us know what your Christmas wish is.

Air departure tax?

Elections?

City Roundtable centre Planning? regeneration? events?

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NEWS | DECEMBER 2017

Members News Restaurant of the Year NO 10 Bar & Restaurant in the heart of Aberdeen’s West End, has been named “Restaurant of the Year – Casual Dining” at the 22nd Scottish Licensed Trade News (SLTN) awards.

The SLTN awards celebrate and recognised the rich and diverse businesses in hospitality in the tourism sector from around Scotland.

No.10 was re-launched in October 2015 following a significant refurbishment which transformed the venue into a bar and 90-seat restaurant. The expansion created more than 30 jobs.

— The winning team from No 10.

Latest office market activity TOTAL office market transactions during the first nine months of 2017 reached 322,491 sq ft according to the latest CBRE Scotland figures.

This surpasses the total take-up level of 218,708 sq ft recorded in 2016.

Total available supply at the end of the third quarter stabilised at 2.8 million sq ft with 80% of the available stock second hand.

Prime headline rents in Aberdeen are once again unchanged at £32 per sq ft.

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Marriott Residence Inn AFTER two years of construction and a multi-million pound investment, Residence Inn by Marriott has expanded in Scotland with a second hotel in Aberdeen city centre.

The new property is a key part of the Marischal Square development.

Residence Inn Aberdeen is the first city-centre hotel dedicated to the extendedstay market and its 126 suites offer guests a home-away-from-home experience with fully equipped kitchen facilities and comfortable living and sleeping areas.

Guests also benefit from a 24-hour lobby, buffet breakfast, restaurant and WIFI access.

Residence Inn is the fourth Marriott International hotel in the city, joining the existing Aberdeen Marriott Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Aberdeen Airport and MOXY Aberdeen Airport.

Gergely Chucky Zbisko, hotel manager, Chris Wayne-Wills, general manager, and Lubica Rengifo, sales leader.

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Chamber pledges Armed Forces support ABERDEEN & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has signed the UK Armed Forces Covenant. In doing so it has made a commitment to support the country’s servicemen and women wherever and however it can and to ensure no member of the Armed Forces should suffer any disadvantage as a result of their service.

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Advertising Feature

ADVERTISING FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

Growth

Step change for CVS THERE has been a step change in business at CVS over the last six months as significant business improvements have generated a 50% increase in turnover and 20% increase in staff numbers, but the company is poised to step up again as one of the leading valve industry specialists in Aberdeen.

The team at CVS has risen to the challenges of the difficult market conditions of the last few years and the key performance indicators have gone off the scale. Through a combination of sheer determination, passion and a genuinely strong team effort led by extremely ambitious managing director, Mick Beavers, who thrives on motivating everyone to raise their game and exceed in their expectations.

Monthly production output reached its highest ever in Q2 and the annual forecast has already been achieved in the first six months with significant orders already scheduled for delivery in Q3 & Q4. With on-time delivery targets averaging at nearly 90% the team is delighted for all its customers with reliability being the key.

Overall turnover for the end of this financial year ending in March 2018 is forecast to be up by 50% with the whole team working exceptionally hard to make it happen and the directors have made significant investments across the business. To sustain the company’s growth and make sure that the team has the right equipment to serve its clients an investment has been made in new fleet, test equipment, tooling, IT equipment, new workshop layout, and a must have for any top ranking valve company, a FARO Gage.

There has also been a huge investment in staffing levels with a record number of eight new recruits in Q2 alone and at least another six people expected to join the business over the next six months. It is always a tough decision getting the balance right between turnover and the head count but all the new people will have a more significant impact on driving forward business improvements with new team leads for engineering and inspection, production; and significant recruits within sales and contracts.

CVS has taken a massive step up in the last year and is now in a formidable position with a strong senior management team and team leaders who will be capable of taking the business forward with Mick Beavers leading the company onto new challenges and chapters. .

The CVS’ Team is leading the way in its unique approach to bespoke Control, Isolation & Emergency Shutdown Valves using its own in-house software CVS Manager™ to all but eliminate costly unplanned shutdowns.

VALVE SUPPLY, VALVE SERVICE, VALVE TESTING, VALVE MANAGEMENT & VALVE AUTOMATION www.controlvalvesolutions.co.uk

Call: 01224 583116

Badentoy Business Park, Portlethen AB12 4YA 37

Advertising Feature

ADVERTISING FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

Legal

Support specialists Although a firm with traditional values, Mackinnons over the years has always had a progressive outlook.

With clients from across the business spectrum, both in the UK and worldwide, we know that being accessible and understandable is a must. Our plain language approach to advice is designed to help you and your business navigate the legal landscape.

With wide expertise in business sales and purchases; the sale, purchase and leasing of commercial premises, financing and security; the setting-up, managing, restructuring and refinancing of companies, partnerships, LLPs and joint ventures, our business law team can provide you and your organisation with the support it needs to grow.

Our specialist employment team provide practical and pragmatic

38

solutions to your employment issues, guiding you through every aspect of the employment relationship from recruitment to termination, including performance management, grievances, redundancy, equality and business transfers. We ensure that you understand your options at every stage and provide strategic and decisive advice throughout, always keeping our eye on the commercial issues at stake.

Our highly rated marine law team is the most experienced in Scotland and we are one of the UK’s leading firms in shipping, fishing and harbour law with unrivalled experience in this complex field. We also regularly advise on the purchase and sale of fishing licences and quotas. In addition, we offer a 24/7 emergency response service and are proud to be the trusted advisors of several harbour authorities.

Our court expertise goes far beyond however, with a dedicated dispute resolution team. Recognising that court action is not always the most appropriate way in which to resolve a dispute, we can advise on the alternative methods available and tailor solutions to meet specific needs. We have represented our clients in both international and domestic arbitrations and mediations, and our specialists have experience of representing clients in forums worldwide.

In addition to our employment, business law and dispute resolution teams, we can offer access to award winning property law and personal advice and estate planning lawyers, providing our individual clients with unparalleled levels of service, complemented by the teams’ sensitive touch and acute legal and financial awareness.

What does your company do that others don’t?

Bryan Innes,

founding partner, Lockhart

Bring together bespoke financial planning advice and a private investment office to a select group of discerning high net worth individuals and their families. It is nigh on impossible for any large corporate firm to personalise their services when they have tens of thousands of clients. The smaller firms can, simply on the basis that they are looking after a smaller number of clients. Where Lockhart differs is in the combination of delivering the personalised service coupled with the sophistication of a private investment office that you would expect from a larger organisation. My partners and I also co-invest alongside clients as a further demonstration of our alignment to their interests.

What are the most pressing challenges that your industry sector faces today and why?

Commoditising advice. More and more firms are amalgamating with the premise that it is bigger and better – reality is that the client is further and further away from something that they really need, which is personal, bespoke advice.

What is the hardest lesson you have learned in your career to date?

Impact of third party ownership on a business brings both a positive and a negative. In the end, there is ultimately a conflict for the client.

What is the most valuable piece of business advice you have ever received?

Trust and back yourself if you truly believe in what you are doing. Over 17 successful years at a large and growing wealth management firm working with some great people – ultimately though if I wanted to deliver something that was true to me, I needed to do it myself.

BUSINESS LESSONS | DECEMBER 2017

Business lessons I’ve learned

If you could make one thing happen tomorrow that would benefit North-east Scotland, what would it be?

Lower taxes at both corporate and personal level. Rather than the regressive approach of increasing the tax take on individuals and businesses, it would send a far greater message that we are open to inward investment, entrepreneurship and endeavour, if we lowered taxes. The net effect would in fact see a greater tax return for the state which in turn can invest in better education, health and other key services.

What’s your favourite way to relax in Aberdeen city of shire?

Play golf at Murcar/Royal Aberdeen.

Relaxing when I play well and less so when I don’t…. Regardless of weather, both are outstanding links courses that display everything that is great about golf. Elements, scenery and ultimately the outdoors.

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Photo Diary PHOTO DIARY | DECEMBER 2017

A look back at 2017 Visit the gallery at www.agcc.co.uk/networking-gallery to see more

Bringing business together at The Ultimate Business Show 2017 Celebrating the success of local business at our Northern Star Business Awards

Magician Jeff Burns speaking at our Spring Budget Business Breakfast

Greeting delegates at the launch of Taste of Grampian

Motivating the business community at our Women Mean Business event

Sir Howard Bernstein inspiring the North-east

Caspar Glyn QC speaking at the Annual Employment Law conference

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VisitAberdeenshire’s annual tourism conference

Adam Marshall, director general of British Chamber of Commerce visits Aberdeen

Unrivalled survey and inspection from the owner operator of the world’s most comprehensive and dynamic fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles

FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

Headline Feature

Your UAV survey and inspection partner of choice > > > > > >

Survey Grade LiDAR Thermographic Internal Inspection HAZMAT Detection Precision Inspection Optical Gas Imaging (OGI)

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Multispectral Hyperspectral UV Corona UAV Remote Supply/Drop 3D/Geospatial UAV Integrated UT

Texo Drone Survey & Inspection (UKCS) Ltd Provender House 37 Waterloo Quay Aberdeen, Scotland AB11 5BS Telephone: 01224 531321 | info@texodroneservices.co.uk

www.texodroneservices.co.uk 41

NEWS | DECEMBER 2017

Members News Free food waste audit THE Scottish Government recently launched a target to reduce food waste by one third by 2025.

The current level of food waste in Scotland is estimated to be 1.39m tonnes per annum of which approximately 90% could have been used. Around 38% of this waste comes from the processing and manufacturing sector within food and drink.

A month in social media...

Top tweets

Breakneck Comedy @BreakneckComedy

I’ve joined the The Chamber!!! @chambertalk @AGCC_Mary

Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS), together with Resource Efficient Scotland (RES), has launched a service offering food waste audits to all SME food and drink businesses.

Pale Blue Dot Energy, working with Mabbett & Associates, is supporting the delivery of this programme.

Included within the free audit will be:

• Audit and identification of where hot spots exist in the business re food waste opportunities •A dvice on how this waste can be prevented or reduced • I dentification of new technology which can be introduced to reduce food waste •A dvice on the implementation of new technology or best practice to reduce food waste •O pportunity to apply for an Implementation Grant to support the purchase of new technology

To find out if you are eligible and to request an application form contact: charlie.hartley@pale-blu.com.

Joanna Fraser @MearnsJo

Good news for regional businesses @chambertalk #vanguard Rebecca @rbuchan_PJ Full story here! Gastro-tourism on the menu in the north-east @visitabdn @OpportunityNE_1 … https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk… via @pressjournal

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NORCO to run hydrogen refuelling station NORCO Group, a local business and independent specialist in stored electrical energy, has taken over the operation of Aberdeen City Hydrogen Energy Storage (ACHES).

NORCO is managing the facility on behalf of Aberdeen City Council.

ACHES, which supplies hydrogen to an expanding fleet of 14 cars and four vans, was built by Belgian company Hydrogenics and completed in November 2016. It began operation in February 2017 and after six-months of being run by Hydrogenics, it has now been passed to NORCO Group on a one-year contract.

ACHES is the city’s second hydrogen refuelling station as well as Kittybrewster which serves 10 buses. The development of infrastructure and vehicle deployments are guided by the Aberdeen Region Hydrogen Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2025 which aims to develop a hydrogen economy in the region.

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John Shaw @AGCC_John

A very warm welcome to our new @chambertalk member @businessfives who are bringing their 5-a-side Winter Tournament to Aberdeen! The Energy Heat kicks off on 16th February #Energy #Biz5s #Charity #Teambuilding #Networking #Fitba

Join the coversation @chambertalk @AGCCevents @AGCCresearch @AGCCtraining

Advertising Feature

ADVERTISING FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

Retail & leisure

Bon Accord lights up the city centre BON Accord is bringing a touch of sparkle to the heart of the city centre as it has illuminated its new outdoor ceiling of light, the first of its kind in Aberdeen.

An impressive 540 sq m of glowing LEDs will hang across Upperkirkgate until March, providing the perfect canopy to help shoppers get into the Christmas spirit and brighten the dark winter nights.

Bon Accord centre manager Craig Stevenson said: “We are extremely excited about our new striking lighting display as we believe it will attract visitors into the city, providing them with a stunning backdrop and making their walk around the area that little bit more special.

“Organisations across Aberdeen are working together to continually make our city even better and this is one of the many ways we’re investing to support this mission.

“We have been working on a number of projects to ‘light up the city’, and this marks the beginning of our exciting plans, including our Christmas

activity and new external signage and branding – which will visually enhance the centre and will be in place over the coming months.”

Aberdeen Inspired welcomed the new lighting feature, which is helping to contribute to the overall appearance of the city and will help to attract visitors to the city centre.

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The spectacular canopy of lights will bring a welcome splash of colour to this part of the city centre and will light up the way to Aberdeen’s Christmas Village on Broad Street.

“The new lighting between the two centres will go a long way to encourage footfall to the area in addition to the incentive of £1 parking after 6pm. It will also have a positive knock-on effect on the area by making it an attractive destination for Christmas shoppers.”

Visit www.bonaccordaberdeen.com/ whats-on-in-aberdeen to find out more about the centre and upcoming events.

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TRAINING CALENDAR | DECEMBER 2017

Training Calendar January Date

Course

16 Tue

General Data Protection Awareness GDPR comes into force on May 25, 2018, understand what it means for your business

16 Tue

Time Management Analyse how you currently use your time and identify time wasting activities so you manage your time more effectively

17-18 2 Days

Essential Management Skills New managers or managers who need to refresh or develop their skills

18 Thu

Dealing with Difficult Situations Learn ways to defuse situations and ensure a positive outcome

23 Tue

Train the Trainer Feel confident while delivering different types of training to individuals or groups

24 Wed

Emotional Intelligence Ensure you are better equipped to handle the ever-increasing pressures of a modern workplace without losing your cool

24 Wed

Report Writing Produce clear, concise and effective reports that achieve objectives

25 Thu

Essential Supervisor Skills Bridging the gap between doing and supervising

25 Thu

Taking Notes and Minutes Practical programme demonstrating how to take notes during the meeting and how to produce high quality minutes

30 Tue

Finance the Basics Gain a broad understanding of accounting and business finance

30 Tue

Personal Effectiveness Develop your skills in management, communication, conflict resolution and plan success

31 Wed

General Data Protection – Charities Ensure you are meeting the legal requirements of GDPR in the third sector

31 Wed

Motivate and Delegate Look at what motivates you and then at how you can motivate others

Does your business have a skills gap?

FULLY FUNDED BUSINESS AUDIT

The Skills Development Scotland team will conduct an audit and prepare a skills action plan specifically for your company - all free of cost.

Speak to us for more information T 01224 343917 E training@agcc.co.uk

For more information Susan Staniforth training team leader T 01224 343917 E training@agcc.co.uk

February

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Date

Course

1 Thu

Project Management – the fundamentals Understand the typical lifecycle of a project and the role of the manager

For full course listings visit

1 Thu

Reviews and Appraisals Assess performance constructively and increase the reviewee’s motivation

www.agcc.co.uk/courses

6 Tue

Letters of Credit and Methods of Payment Make sure your letter of credit is not rejected due to discrepancies

Dates for your 2018 diary THE ULTIMATE BUSINESS SHOW 2018 Wednesday April 18, 2018

Tourism Conference 2018 Tuesday March 20, 2018 9am-4.30pm The Chester Hotel, Aberdeen

EVENTS CALENDAR | DECEMBER 2017

Events Calendar

#TUBS2018 www.agcc.co.uk/networking-events

BusinessBreakfast

8

Leadership

Will you be a 2018 Northern Star?

Thursday February 1, 2018

Nominate Sponsor Attend Nominations open in February

Thursday September 27

Co-sponsor

northernstarawards.co.uk

Thank you to EY, our Business Breakfast sponsors

Thank you to Shell, our Vanguard sponsors

2018 dates coming soon at agcc.co.uk

Thanks to our regular supporters Compass Print - Bulletin Diary Advert_Layout 1 03/11/2017 10:49 Page 1

Wishing all our valued customers a happy and prosperous 2018 Print Signage Exhibitions & display Promotional gifts www.compassprint.co.uk I 01224 875987 I e: info@compassprint.co.uk 45

ON THE MOVE | DECEMBER 2017

On the move

Peter Wilkinson

Susan Godman

Graham Berry

Michelle Handforth

Peter Wilkinson MRICS IRRV (Hons) Registered Valuer, has joined Savills to lead sporting appeals and assist on rating matters throughout Scotland. Peter has worked in rating for 26 years and prior to his role at the SAA, he handled more than 1,600 appeals, acting against the Assessor and Valuation Office throughout the UK.

Susan Godman has been appointed business facilitator with Henderson Loggie. A qualified chartered accountant with a background in corporate structured finance, Susan then moved into professional education, before contracting as a lecturer at academic institutions across the UK.

Middle East business expansion specialist HFI Consulting International has Graham Berry as a specialist consultant to help its clients respond to growth opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Graham has more than 35 years’ experience in the oil, gas and engineering sectors in the USA, Middle East and Far East and will work across HFI services.

Aberdeen Harbour Board has appointed Michelle Handforth as chief executive.

Currently managing director of Babcock MCS Offshore and with 20 years of board and leadership experience in global, multi-site businesses across the aviation, rail, maritime, financial service and oil and gas industries, she will succeed Colin Parker.

Hunter Inkster

Julie Paterson

Ma’aruf Razzak

Neil Miller

Hunter Inkster has joined Barclays as a relationship director for the North of Scotland, based in Aberdeen, following a period of sustained growth and business activity in the area.

Lockhart Capital Management has appointed Julie Paterson as client services executive. Julie as previously with Tilney. The company has also moved to new offices in The Silver Fin Building on Union Street.

Shepherd and Wedderburn director Ma’aruf Razzak, a specialist in property and infrastructure, has become the youngest board member of Grampian Housing Association.

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky has appointed Neil Miller as general manager.

Neil has spent most of his career working in the oil and gas sector including six years in the Middle East before heading back to Scotland in 2015.

Aberdeen’s Recruitment Specialists

simply call 01224 327 000 or visit www.thorpemolloy.com 46

ON THE MOVE | DECEMBER 2017

John Shaw

Heidi Bisset

Paul Warwick

Donald Taylor

The Chamber has welcomed new membership network manager John Shaw as the key contact for a portfolio of businesses in the Northeast. With a background in business development, John will work with members to ensure they maximise their membership and actively promote their businesses whenever possible.

McCue Wealth Management has appointed Heidi Bisset in the newly created role of paraplanner. Heidi has 27 years of private and public sector experience and most recently worked at Ideas in Partnership where she launched a Scottish Enterprise Business Mentoring programme.

Ardyne has appointed Paul Warwick as non-executive chairman. Paul has been a non-executive director of Ardyne since 2016. He will take on the role from Glynn Williams who has stepped down to become a non-executive director.

The changes in board structure support Ardyne’s international growth strategy.

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA) has appointed Donald Taylor managing director for Europe. Responsible for TAQA’s upstream and midstream assets in the North Sea and the Netherlands, he joined the company in 2009 and has been acting managing director since late 2016 after holding a range of leadership roles.

Martin Welsh, Guy Pope, Madailein Alexander and Heather Ruth

Kim Harkness, Angus Easton and Kate Longmuir

Gary Walker & Co Wealth Management continues its growth by the appointment of Martin Welsh as financial consultant.

Martin was the first to graduate from the newly opened St James’s Place Academy in Edinburgh, when he decided on a career direction change after working in the oil and gas industry. The three other new faces at Gary Walker & Co are Guy Pope, paraplanner; Madailein Alexander, trainee paraplanner and Heather Ruth, events and marketing executive.

Mackinnons Solicitors has announced two promotions and one new appointment. Angus Easton, who recently completed a master’s degree in Maritime Law, has been promoted to associate in the firm’s commercial shipping team. Kim Harkness has also become an associate in the property and private client teams; and Kate Longmuir has joined the firm’s corporate team advising on a range of commercial matters with emphasis on the energy and marine sectors.

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Opinion OPINION | DECEMBER 2017

Doug Crawford

Changing times WHILE there is much talk in the region about green shoots, new initiatives and diversification, for many businesses times are still hard with little increase in tendering opportunities or margins on secured contracts, as well as concerns about cash flow, working capital and banking support.

by Doug Crawford,

corporate partner, Brodies LLP in Aberdeen

The road to recovery is going to be long and uncertain, yet there are signs and backing from organisations outwith the region that give us cause to be optimistic.

In the last few weeks our Aberdeenbased corporate team, who have just been awarded top tier status by Legal 500, acted in the sale of North Star Shipping to Basalt Infrastructure Fund. This not only provides a strong platform for the sustainable growth of North Star, but also demonstrates a renewed interest and confidence from long term equity capital providers to invest in quality local businesses. Our team are currently working on a number of other major instructions involving local businesses and specialist private equity investors which are expected to complete soon.

This sense of renewed interest and ambition has also emerged from the series of business breakfasts we are currently hosting, in conjunction with Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce and Shell, looking at driving growth in the North-east. So far, they have highlighted the wealth of opportunity we have here in our region and a strong appetite for encouraging sustainable growth – not just in oil and gas but also in other key areas: food

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and drink, innovation and technology; and infrastructure.

The North-east now needs to capitalise on these opportunities and this is something that we have prepared for at Brodies. We opened in Aberdeen six years ago, recruiting the best team of local lawyers to offer a fresh approach to legal services, covering all areas of law required by the local community. Now, with a practice of over 70 people, we are ready to serve the new requirements of the North-east as it emerges from the downturn.

The last few years have been incredibly challenging for everyone, and there is little doubt that the landscape for business in the region has changed.

Yet, we are confident that the Northeast is ready to embark on a new path of reignited ambition and we look forward to working with our existing clients on this next phase, and with new clients who want a fresh approach for their business.

NEWS | DECEMBER 2017

Members News

Quarter of accolades BRAND and digital agency FortyTwo Studio, based in Aberdeen, has been recognised for its creative work at the The Drum Scottish Creative Awards, claiming four accolades which included the Grand Prix top award.

A panel of industry experts awarded FortyTwo in the Packaging and Typography categories, beating off competition from central belt agencies.

FortyTwo also took home the coveted Grand Prix award which acknowledges the best in show and is chosen from all the award winning entries. The awards recognised the outstanding work completed for The Teasmith Spirits Co for The Teasmith gin - a multi award winning Scottish spirit distilled with hand-picked tea.

The team at FortyTwo Studio delivered brand and packaging creation for the specialist spirit company, as well as a comprehensive design, digital and launch strategy.

FortyTwo further received a commendation in Typography for their own Year in Review newspaper publication. The wins bring the total number of awards for 2017 to five, with the company having previously been recognised at the Scottish Design Awards.

—

FortyTwo team

Aberdeen to host world curling event THE world Junior Curling Championships are to take place in Aberdeen for the first time, at Curl Aberdeen, the city’s state of the art, purpose built curling facility, from March 3 to 10, 2018.

The championships are supported by Event Scotland, part of Visit Scotland’s event directorate, The Royal Caledonian Curling Club (RCCC) and Aberdeen City Council and will leave a strong sporting legacy for young people in the city and throughout Scotland.

Bruce Crawford, chief executive of the RCCC, said: “We have a strong tradition of curling at world junior level, with our teams winning 17 medals in the last 14 years.

Coming a week after the end of the Winter Olympic Games, we hope to use this as a catalyst for increasing participation in curling as a legacy for the future” The principal event sponsor is accountancy firm Johnston Carmichael.

Sandy Manson, chief executive of Johnston Carmichael said: “Curling is a very accessible, lifelong sport that develops a range of important skills and encourages participation from people of so many different ages and backgrounds - and these are all attributes that resonate with the Johnston Carmichael brand. We’re excited to play our part in helping to honour this progressive sport and engage our people, clients and the community in this major sporting event.”

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New Members

Welcome to the Chamber NEW MEMBERS | DECEMBER 2017

To see the full member directory visit www.agcc.co.uk/directory

A & L Urquhart (Louise’s Farm Kitchen) T 07901 562655 E louisefarmkitchen@gmail.com C Louise Urquhart, partner _ Allied Perimeter Safety Netting Ltd Helideck Perimeter Safety Net Inspection & Testing Services.

T 01224 596669 E bob@apsnetting.net W www.apsnetting.net C Bob Gray, operations manager _ Allied Training Services Health and safety training.

T 01224 596669 E info@alliedtrainingservices.co.uk W www.alliedtrainingservices.co.uk C Gemma Lonie, financial director _ Atkinson Macleod Health and safety training.

T 07825 398734 E info@atkinsonmacleod.com W www.atkinsonmacleod.com C Chris Grange, director _ BR Consultancy UK Ltd Specialist in the improvement of cash flow.

T 07500 534846 E brpalace290@gmail.com C Brian Race, director _ Carttera Private Equities Inc Managing focused real estate investment strategies.

T 1-416-867-9705 E jtadeson@carttera.com W www.carttera.com C Jim Tadeson, founding partner GEODynamics (U.K.) Ltd Perforating, downhole completion, and intervention and wireline solutions.

T 01224 961161 E karen.young@perf.com W www.perf.com C Karen Young, office & sales co-ordinator _ Haston Creative Ltd High-end creative advertising, design, photography and video.

T 01888 560092 / 07990 510021 E neil@hastoncreative.com W www.hastoncreative.com C Neil Haston, creative director _ HFI Consulting International Specialist consulting and legal services to help clients respond successfully in the energy and water sectors in Middle East and North Africa.

T 01224 063522 E hugh.fraser@hfi-international.com W www.hfi-consulting.com C Hugh Fraser, director

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Involve HR LLP Local HR professionals providing the full range of HR services by phone, email or face-to-face.

T 01224 061160 E ebarker@involvehr.co.uk W www.involvehr.co.uk C Emma Barker, partner _ LaLa Lights Light up your event, with our 2ft led letters, we can coordinate to any event. Lights are light weight, versatile and very effective

Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa Hotel, golf resort and spa overlooking the 17th Road Hole of the Old Course, a short stroll from the town of St Andrews.

T 01334 474371 E roule.wood@oldcoursehotel.co.uk W www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk C Roulé Wood, senior sales executive _ Renton & Co (UK) Ltd Provision of specialist consultancy and training to energy, transport and utilities sectors.

T 07849 515317 E lalalights@yahoo.com C Leigh-Anne MacKenzie, director _

T 07388 948667 E neill.renton@rcld.co.uk W www.rcld.co.uk C Neill Renton, director

Leximo Ltd A service solutions company facilitating closer interactions between individuals, businesses and institutions.

Residence Inn by Marriott Aberdeen

T 07833 437231 E alex@lexiresource.com W www.leximo.co.uk C Alex Crossland, founder _ Lockhart Capital Management Bringing together bespoke Financial Planning and an exclusive Private Investment Office to a select group of clients and their families.

T 01224 060346 E bryaninnes@lockhartcapitalmanagement.com W www.lockhartmanagement.com C Bryan Innes, founding partner _

_

T 01224 061190 E gergely.zbisko@residenceinn.com W aberdeenresidenceinn.co.uk C Gergely Zbisko, hotel manager _ Rubislaw Estates Ltd Property development and investment.

T 07850 648500 E info@rubislawestates.com W www.rubislawestates.com C Stewart Davidson, director _ Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance The country’s only charity funded air ambulance.

Mental Health Aberdeen Local charity working in North East Scotland, providing signposting, counselling and information to adults and children affected by challenges related to mental health and well-being.

T 07799 777103 / 0300 1231111 E h.macgregor@scaa.org.uk W www.scaa.org.uk C Helen MacGregor, regional fundraising manager _

T 01224 590510 E admin@mhaberdeen.org.uk W www.mha.uk.net C Astrid Whyte, chief executive _

Sign Company Aberdeen Ltd Experts in all areas of signage from design to manufacturing and installation.

Mindblox Performance and confidence coaching.

T 07919 996329 E info@mindblox.co.uk W www.mindblox.co.uk C Theresa Day, owner _ Molgas Energy UK Ltd T 07342 210510 E david.ballantyne@molgas.co.uk C David Ballantyne, commercial director _ Oceanum Edge Ltd Oceanum Edge is a global performance driven marine and maritime service solutions company T 01224 531140 E info@oceanumedge.com W oceanumedge.com/ C Robin Kirkpatrick, managing director

T 07788 186303 E info@signcompanyaberdeen.co.uk W www.signcompanyaberdeen.co.uk C Christian Gavin, director _ W M Donald Limited Civil engineering contractors.

T 01569 730590 E info@wmdonald.co.uk W www.wmdonald.co.uk C Eilidh Cameron, HR & HSEQ compliance manager _ Zenith Consulting Services Ltd Psychological services to improve performance and effectiveness in the workplace.

T 07740 588603 E zenithconsulting71@gmail.com W www.zenithconsultingservices.co.uk C Linda O’Donnell, business psychologist and director

FEATURE | DECEMBER 2017

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